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Embedded images vs linked images in email signatures

  1. Exclaimer Knowledge Base
  2. Signature Design
  3. Useful Information
Ari Flavell
  • Updated

There are two options available when adding images to a signature design - you can either add an image by embedding it directly into the signature or by hosting it externally and linking to it.

The following table outlines the differences between and the pros and cons of embedded images and linked images:

  Pros Cons

Embedded images

Embedded images are images that are hosted directly within the signature by uploading them from a local directory. These are contained within the email, which affects the email's file size. For more information, see our resources on working with background images, or our Image/Logo, Banner, or Rotating Banner elements.

Embedded images are stored similarly to the following example:

<img src="cid:myimagecid" />
  • Images are automatically displayed by the mail client with no extra clicks required.
     
  • Can be added from any local directory.
     
  • Not reliant on external image storage and is not affected by storage changes. The image you uploaded remains in its upload state until you change it.
  • Can be removed by the mail client, device, or internal system.
     
  • Increases the file size of the email.
     
  • Image quality can degrade over multiple responses.
     
  • Mobile email clients may sometimes replace embedded images with cached or unrelated photos, which can lead to unexpected image displays.

Linked images

Linked images are hosted on a publicly facing web server, such as your company's web directory. The signature displays the image via the linked file, but images are not added to the email as a physical element. For more information, see how to add a linked image or use our Image/Logo, Banner, or Rotating Banner elements.

Linked images are stored similarly to the following example:

<img src="http://www.mywebsite.com/SigImgs/mylogo.png" />
  • Less likely to be removed by the mail client, device, or internal system.
     
  • Consistent image quality.
     
  • Does not affect the file size of the email.
  • Requires an internet connection to view the images.
     
  • Some mail clients require you to Click here to download pictures before viewing images.
     
  • Requires a public-facing web storage, such as your company's web directory, or an alternative image hosting site such as OneDrive or Google Drive.
     
  • Since the image is not uploaded to the signature, if the image source is changed (for example, the image is edited or deleted) the image displayed in your signature is changed. 

 

Which option is suitable for you?

Consider how your customers view the emails you send them:

  • If many of your customers use email clients like Outlook, then embedded images may be the most suitable.
  • If many of your customers view your emails on mobile devices, then linked images may be the most suitable.